Madison adopted Bird-Safe Glass guidelines for new municipal buildings and major UW-Madison projects. Migratory Bird Treaty Act protections, plus Wis. DNR rules, govern wild birds; lights-out programs reduce isthmus migration strikes.
Madison has adopted bird-safe building guidelines for city-owned new construction and substantial renovations, encouraging fritted glass, exterior screens, and reduced nighttime lighting during spring and fall migration. UW-Madison participates in Lights Out Wisconsin coordinated with Madison Audubon Society. Federal Migratory Bird Treaty Act (16 U.S.C. §703) and Wisconsin DNR rules under ch. 29 protect native species; nests with eggs cannot be removed without permits. Window strikes can be reported to UW-Madison citizen-science programs. The isthmus location between Lake Mendota and Lake Monona makes Madison a major Mississippi Flyway stopover point.
Killing or harassing protected birds violates federal MBTA with fines up to $15,000; nest disturbance without DNR permits brings state forfeitures and habitat-restoration orders.
Other ordinances people look up for this city. Green dot = verified primary-source excerpt.
Madison, WI
Madison has no city ordinance restricting lawn ornaments on residential property. MGO Chapter 27 (Property Maintenance) requires general yard upkeep but does...
Madison, WI
Madison has no city ordinance regulating residential inflatable holiday displays. MGO Chapter 24 (Noise) sets residential noise standards that could theoreti...
Madison, WI
Madison has no municipal ordinance regulating residential holiday lights. Timing, brightness, and animation are governed by HOA and condo covenants under Wis...
Madison, WI
Madison requires building permits for outdoor kitchens with gas lines, electrical wiring, plumbing, or structural roofs. Permits route through Madison Buildi...
Madison, WI
Madison has no specific smoker ordinance. MGO Chapter 24 (Noise) and Chapter 7 (Public Health) provide nuisance authority for excessive smoke. Wisconsin DNR ...
Madison, WI
Madison Fire Code under MGO Chapter 34 adopts the Wisconsin Commercial Building Code (SPS 361-366) and Wisconsin Administrative Code SPS 314 (Fire Prevention...
See how Madison's bird protection rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.